Electronic Device Including Flexible Display and Method for Operating Same

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/738,045, filed on Jun. 9, 2024, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/205,486, filed on Jun. 2, 2023, which is a continuation application of International Application No. PCT/KR2021/017915 designating the United States, filed on Nov. 30, 2021, in the Korean Intellectual Property Receiving Office and claiming priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0169007, filed on Dec. 4, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

Various embodiments relate to an electronic device including a flexible display and a method of operating the same.

With the advancement of electronic technology, various types of flexible electronic devices have been developed. Such a flexible electronic device may secure portability, while providing a larger display. For example, the flexible electronic device is deformable in shape by user application of force, thus providing a foldable or bendable, slidable, or rollable display. For example, a display using an organic light emitting diode (or an electronic device equipped with the display) may implement a stable operation even if it is made very thin.

Further, user demands for the performance of electronic devices have gradually become advanced and diversified, and audio performance may be one of main factors that determine the performance of a product. Currently, a general electronic device includes a plurality of speakers and performs audio output using the plurality of speakers.

A general electronic device uses speakers and/or microphones. Since a display having a fixed structure is mounted, the distances between the speaker and the microphone may always be fixed even if the speakers and/or the microphones are distributed at various positions in the electronic device. Accordingly, the electronic device may perform audio tuning by fixing a user's position and accordingly determining tuning parameters of the speakers and the microphones. Because the shape of the electronic device is not changed, additional tuning may not be necessary.

However, in an electronic device including a flexible display, a relative distance between a speaker and/or a microphone may be changed along with movement of a structure forming the electronic device and the resulting transitioning of a screen to an open state or a closed state.

Accordingly, in the electronic device including the flexible display, the position of the speaker and/or the microphone may be variable rather than fixed. In this case, a change in the relative distance between the speaker and/or the microphone may lead to a deviation in audio performance during audio tuning.

Various embodiments of the disclosure may provide an electronic device including a flexible display and a method of operating the same, which may increase audio performance by applying a different parameter according to a relative distance between a speaker and/or a microphone.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a housing, at least one first audio module located on a first side surface of the housing, and at least one second audio module located on a second side surface of the housing, a display including a touch sensor panel, wherein the display is configured to move with respect to the housing so that at least a portion of the display is exposed from an inside of the housing to a front surface of the electronic device, and at least one processor operatively connected to the display. The at least one processor is configured to identify whether the display is moved to be at least partially exposed by rolling or sliding with respect to the housing, and correct the audio signals for the at least one first audio module and the at least one second audio module in response to the display being moved.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a housing including a first housing part and a second housing part configured to movably engage with the first housing part between a retracted position and an extended position. The electronic device includes a flexible display coupled to the first housing part and the second housing part such that a size of an area of the flexible display that is visible from a front side of the housing changes as the second housing part is moved between the retracted position and the extended position. The electronic device includes an actuator configured to move the second housing part with respect to the first housing part. The electronic device includes a first audio module located on a first side surface of the housing, and a second audio module located on a second side surface of the housing and a processor operatively connected to the flexible display. The processor is configured to identify whether at least a portion of the flexible display is exposed from the front side of the housing. The processor is configured to correct audio signals for the first audio module and the second audio module in response to identifying the at least a portion of the flexible display being exposed.

According to various embodiments, a method of correcting audio performance in an electronic device including a flexible display includes identifying whether a display is moved to be at least partially exposed by rolling or sliding with respect to a housing, and correcting the audio signals for the at least one first audio module located on a first side surface of the housing and the at least one second audio module located on a second side surface in response to the display being moved.

According to various embodiments, audio performance may be increased by applying a different audio parameter in spite of a non-fixed variable position of a speaker and/or a microphone in an electronic device including a flexible display.

According to various embodiments, audio performance may be optimized by identifying a relative distance between a speaker and/or a microphone and thus efficiently and conveniently performing audio tuning in an electronic device including a flexible display.

According to various embodiments, even when a flexible display is extended or contracted, an optimized sound from a speaker may be transmitted to a user, and the user's voice input to a microphone may also be optimized and used in an electronic device.

According to various embodiments, effective multimedia and call functions may be implemented, simultaneously with an optimized sound volume and improved sound quality.

In addition, various effects are not limited to the above-described effect, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these are not intended to limit the disclosure to a specific embodiment and should be understood as including various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of embodiments of the disclosure.

1 FIG. 1 FIG. 101 100 101 100 102 198 104 108 199 101 104 108 101 120 130 150 155 160 170 176 177 178 179 180 188 189 190 196 197 178 101 101 176 180 197 160 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic devicein a network environmentaccording to various embodiments. Referring to, the electronic devicein the network environmentmay communicate with an electronic devicevia a first network(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic deviceor a servervia a second network(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic devicemay communicate with the electronic devicevia the server. According to an embodiment, the electronic devicemay include a processor, memory, an input module, a sound output module, a display module, an audio module, a sensor module, an interface, a connecting terminal, a haptic module, a camera module, a power management module, a battery, a communication module, a subscriber identification module (SIM), or an antenna module. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal) may be omitted from the electronic device, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device. In some embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module, the camera module, or the antenna module) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module).

120 140 101 120 120 176 190 132 132 134 120 121 123 121 101 121 123 123 121 123 121 The processormay execute, for example, software (e.g., a program) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic devicecoupled with the processor, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processormay store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor moduleor the communication module) in volatile memory, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory. According to an embodiment, the processormay include a main processor(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor. For example, when the electronic deviceincludes the main processorand the auxiliary processor, the auxiliary processormay be adapted to consume less power than the main processor, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processormay be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor.

123 160 176 190 101 121 121 121 121 123 180 190 123 123 101 108 The auxiliary processormay control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display module, the sensor module, or the communication module) among the components of the electronic device, instead of the main processorwhile the main processoris in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processorwhile the main processoris in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor(e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera moduleor the communication module) functionally related to the auxiliary processor. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor(e.g., the neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence model processing. An artificial intelligence model may be generated by machine learning. Such learning may be performed, e.g., by the electronic devicewhere the artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (e.g., the server). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, e.g., supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-network or a combination of two or more thereof but is not limited thereto. The artificial intelligence model may, additionally or alternatively, include a software structure other than the hardware structure.

130 120 176 101 140 130 132 134 The memorymay store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processoror the sensor module) of the electronic device. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memorymay include the volatile memoryor the non-volatile memory.

140 130 142 144 146 The programmay be stored in the memoryas software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS), middleware, or an application.

150 120 101 101 150 The input modulemay receive a command or data to be used by another component (e.g., the processor) of the electronic device, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device. The input modulemay include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

155 101 155 The sound output modulemay output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device. The sound output modulemay include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record. The receiver may be used for receiving incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

160 101 160 160 The display modulemay visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device. The display modulemay include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display modulemay include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

170 170 150 155 102 101 The audio modulemay convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio modulemay obtain the sound via the input module, or output the sound via the sound output moduleor a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device.

176 101 101 176 The sensor modulemay detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic deviceor an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor modulemay include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

177 101 102 177 The interfacemay support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic deviceto be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interfacemay include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

178 101 102 178 A connecting terminalmay include a connector via which the electronic devicemay be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device). According to an embodiment, the connecting terminalmay include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

179 179 The haptic modulemay convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic modulemay include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

180 180 The camera modulemay capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera modulemay include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

188 101 188 The power management modulemay manage power supplied to the electronic device. According to one embodiment, the power management modulemay be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

189 101 189 The batterymay supply power to at least one component of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the batterymay include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

190 101 102 104 108 190 120 190 192 194 198 199 192 101 198 199 196 The communication modulemay support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic deviceand the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device, the electronic device, or the server) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication modulemay include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor(e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication modulemay include a wireless communication module(e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module(e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network(e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network(e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication modulemay identify and authenticate the electronic devicein a communication network, such as the first networkor the second network, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module.

192 192 192 192 101 104 199 192 The wireless communication modulemay support a 5G network, after a 4G network, and next-generation communication technology, e.g., new radio (NR) access technology. The NR access technology may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), or ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). The wireless communication modulemay support a high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication modulemay support various technologies for securing performance on a high-frequency band, such as, e.g., beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication modulemay support various requirements specified in the electronic device, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device), or a network system (e.g., the second network). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication modulemay support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of 1 ms or less) for implementing URLLC.

197 101 197 197 198 199 190 192 190 197 The antenna modulemay transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the antenna modulemay include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna modulemay include a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas). In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first networkor the second network, may be selected, for example, by the communication module(e.g., the wireless communication module) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication moduleand the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module.

197 According to various embodiments, the antenna modulemay form an mmWave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a RFIC disposed on a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on a second surface (e.g., the top or a side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high-frequency band.

At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

101 104 108 199 102 104 101 101 102 104 108 101 101 101 101 According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic deviceand the external electronic devicevia the servercoupled with the second network. Each of the electronic devicesormay be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device. According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic devicemay be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices,, or. For example, if the electronic deviceshould perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device. The electronic devicemay provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example.

101 104 108 104 108 199 101 The electronic devicemay provide ultra low-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic devicemay include an internet-of-things (IoT) device. The servermay be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. According to an embodiment, the external electronic deviceor the servermay be included in the second network. The electronic devicemay be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technology.

2 2 FIGS.A toD 2 2 FIGS.A toD 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 201 202 203 204 101 160 201 202 203 204 120 show an electronic device that is referred to for describing the types of electronic devices according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, an electronic device,,and/orof(e.g., the electronic deviceof) may include a housing, a display (e.g., the display moduleof) disposed to be exposed from a front surface of the electronic device,,, and/orby rolling and/or sliding with respect to the housing, a structure (not shown) supporting the display, a driving module (not shown) moving the display, and at least one processor (e.g., the processorof) operatively connected to the display.

According to various embodiments, at least a part of the display may be exposed to the outside through the housing. According to various embodiments, the display may include one or more displays. According to various embodiments, the display may include a non-bendable unfold display (e.g., a flat display or an edge display) or a flexible display (e.g., a foldable display, a rollable display, or a stretchable display). Although the display is described below as a flexible display, to which the disclosure is not limited, an unfold display may also be applied.

201 202 203 204 130 1 FIG. According to various embodiments, the at least one processor capable of performing and/or controlling the functions of the electronic device,,, and/or, and memory (e.g., the memoryof) may be disposed inside the housing.

According to various embodiments, a state in which the exposed area of the flexible display is the smallest may be referred to as a ‘closed state’, and a state in which the exposed area of the flexible display is the largest may be referred to as an ‘open state’.

201 2 FIG.A The electronic deviceofaccording to various embodiments is shown as including a flexible display which may be slidable, by way of example.

2 FIG.A 201 201 210 201 210 201 211 212 210 211 210 According to various embodiments, referring to, at least a portion of the flexible display may move into and/or out of the housing according to a sliding operation. For example, when the slidable electronic devicereceives a sliding extension command in the closed state, a part of the flexible display located inside the housing may slide to the outside of the housing, and thus the slidable electronic deviceis placed in the open state. For example, an exposed partof the flexible display in the closed state of the electronic devicemay be referred to as a first part, and an exposed part of the flexible display in the open state of the electronic devicemay be referred to as a second part. For example, an exposed partmay be an area obtained by adding the first partand the areaof the flexible display, extended according to a sliding extension operation. For example, the flexible display disposed on the housing of the first partmay be in a fixed state.

201 201 According to an embodiment, in the case of the slidable electronic deviceand/or a structure having a flexible display, the electronic devicemay include a housing member which surrounds the display and/or in which an audio module (e.g., a speaker and a speaker hole) may be disposed.

201 201 1 2 According to an embodiment, when sidewalls are formed while surrounding the display, audio modules may be disposed at positions on both sides of the electronic device, for example, on both sidewalls of the electronic deviceas indicated by Sand S.

2 FIG.A 201 While the audio modules are disposed on the sidewalls inaccording to an embodiment, which does not limit the disclosure, the audio modules may be formed as separate structures and/or disposed on both edges of a combined and/or assembled structure and/or the housing. In this way, the electronic devicemay be designed such that the audio modules are included in an extended and/or contracted structure of the flexible display according to the appearance and use condition of the flexible display.

202 2 FIG.B The electronic deviceofaccording to various embodiments is shown as having a flexible display which is rollable, by way of example.

2 FIG.B 202 According to various embodiments, referring to, the flexible display may be disposed to surround the front surface, one side surface, and at least a part of the rear surface of the electronic device.

202 202 202 202 202 202 222 202 222 For example, in an embodiment, when receiving an extension command in the closed state, the rollable electronic devicemay move the flexible display disposed on the front surface of the electronic deviceso that an edge portion of the flexible display moves in a direction away from the housing of the electronic device. For example, the electronic devicemay drive a roller (and/or driving module) (not shown) for moving the flexible display. As the flexible display moves (or rolls), a display storage area (not shown) inside of the housing of the electronic deviceand/or a part of the flexible display disposed on the rear surface may move to the front surface of the electronic device, thereby extending an exposed part. Accordingly, the display may be kept in a rolled state inside of the housing of the electronic device, for example, in one side of the housing. For example, the flexible display disposed in the housing of the flexible display may move (or roll). According to various embodiments, a state in which the exposed partof the flexible display is the largest may be referred to as the open state.

202 202 202 202 According to various embodiments, when receiving a contraction command in the open state, the rollable electronic devicemay drive the roller (not shown) to move the edge portion of the flexible display disposed on the front surface of the electronic devicefrom an area outside of the housing of the electronic devicetoward the housing. According to the driving of the roller, a part of the flexible display disposed on the front surface of the electronic devicemay move to the display storage area (not shown) inside of the housing and/or to the rear surface, thereby contracting the exposed part of the flexible display. A state in which the exposed part of the flexible display is the smallest may be referred to as the closed state.

202 202 202 202 According to various embodiments, the flexible display of the rollable electronic devicemay be disposed to enter the housing of the electronic device, instead of the rear surface of the electronic device, in an area surrounding one side surface of the electronic device.

202 202 202 1 2 2 FIG.B According to an embodiment, in the case of the electronic deviceor the flexible display, which has a rolling structure as illustrated in, an audio module may be disposed in an area surrounding one side surface of the electronic device. For example, audio modules may be disposed on both the left and the right side surfaces of the electronic device, as indicated by Sand S.

201 202 201 202 201 202 201 202 2 2 FIGS.A andB 3 FIG.A 3 FIG.A 2 2 FIGS.A andB 3 FIG.B Although the flexible display is shown in an embodiment as being extended to the right of the electronic devicesandin, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment and as illustrated in, the flexible display may be extended and/or contracted to the right or left of the electronic devicesand. According to an embodiment, the electronic device ofmay also have a separate side housing member on which an audio module may be disposed, as illustrated in. In another embodiment, as illustrated in, when the electronic devicesandare disposed in a landscape orientation, the flexible display may be extended and/or contracted upward or downward of the electronic devicesand.

2 2 FIGS.A andB 3 FIG.C 201 202 201 202 Althoughshow an embodiment where a long side of the flexible display is moved to extend and/or contract the flexible display in the rectangular electronic devicesand, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment and as illustrated in, a short side of the flexible display may be moved to extend and/or contract the flexible display in the rectangular electronic devicesand.

3 FIG.C 201 202 201 202 Althoughshows that in an embodiment the rectangular electronic devicesandare disposed in a portrait orientation (e.g., portrait mode) and a short side of the flexible display is moved upward and/or downward to extend or contract the flexible display, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment where the rectangular electronic devicesandare disposed in the landscape orientation (e.g., landscape mode), a short side of the flexible display may be moved to the left or right to extend and/or contract the flexible display.

201 202 201 202 201 202 2 2 FIGS.A andB 3 FIG.D Although the electronic devicesandare shown in an embodiment as rectangular in, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment and as illustrated in, the electronic devicesandmay be square in shape. For example, the electronic devicesandmay extend and/or contract the flexible display by moving one side of the flexible display upward, downward, to the right, or to the left.

2 2 FIGS.A andB 2 FIG.C 201 202 203 Althoughshow an embodiment were the flexible display is extended and/or contracted only in one direction of the electronic devicesand, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment and referring to, the slidable electronic devicemay extend and/or contract the flexible display in both directions.

2 FIG.C 203 1 2 203 According to various embodiments, referring to, in the case of the electronic devicethat may be extended and/or contracted by sliding in both directions, audio modules may be disposed on both side surfaces as indicated by Sand S, whereas when a housing member covering the top and bottom of the display is included, an audio module may be disposed at a position corresponding to the housing member, that is, on the top and/or bottom of the electronic device, instead of both side surfaces.

203 According to various embodiments, the electronic devicemay extend and/or contract the flexible display in only one direction or both directions.

2 FIG.C 3 FIG.E 203 203 Althoughshows an embodiment where both long sides of the flexible display of the rectangular electronic deviceare moved in both directions (e.g., left and right) to extend and/or contract the flexible display, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment and as illustrated in, both short sides of the flexible display of the rectangular electronic devicemay be moved in both directions (e.g., upward and downward) to extend and/or contract the flexible display.

2 3 FIGS.C andE 203 203 Althoughshow an embodiment where the rectangular electronic deviceis disposed in the portrait orientation, in another embodiment it may be disposed in the landscape orientation. According to various embodiments, the electronic devicemay have a square shape.

2 FIG.C 2 FIG.D 204 Althoughshows an embodiment where the flexible display is extended and/or contracted to both sides, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment and referring to, the slidable electronic devicemay extend and/or contract the flexible display in two non-bidirectional directions (e.g., one of left or right directions and one of upward and downward).

3 FIG.F 204 For example, in an embodiment and referring to, the electronic devicemay be slidable in two directions and may extend and/or contract the flexible display in the left and the up directions, the left and the down directions, the right and the up directions, and/or the right and the down directions.

204 204 204 204 2 FIG.A 2 FIG.B According to various embodiments, the slidable electronic devicemay extend and/or contract the flexible display through a sliding operation of a part of the flexible display disposed inside of the housing in both directions. In another embodiment, the electronic devicemay extend and/or contract the flexible display by sliding a part of the flexible display disposed inside of the housing in one direction, as illustrated in, and/or by moving the flexible display to the front surface and/or the rear surface of the electronic devicein another direction while the flexible display surrounds at least a part of the front surface, one side surface, and/or at least a part of the rear surface of the electronic device, as illustrated in.

2 3 FIGS.D andF Althoughshow an embodiment where the flexible display is extended and/or contracted in two directions, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and in various embodiments the flexible display may be extended and/or contracted in three or four directions.

201 202 203 204 2 2 FIGS.A toD According to various embodiments, when a housing member surrounding a side surface of the display is formed in the sliding electronic devices,,, andas illustrated in, an audio module may be disposed in the form of a speaker and/or a speaker hole on the side housing member.

1 2 201 202 203 204 201 202 203 204 2 2 FIGS.A toD According to various embodiments, although audio modules may be disposed on both side surfaces as indicated by Sand Sin the slidable electronic devices,,, andas illustrated in, an audio module may also be disposed at a position corresponding to a housing member surrounding the top and/or bottom of the display, that is, on the top and/or bottom of the electronic devices,,, and.

4 FIG.A 4 FIG.B 5 FIG.A 5 FIG.B 101 andshow multiple views of an electronic device illustrating the contracted and extended states of a flexible display, when the electronic deviceis disposed in the landscape orientation (e.g., the landscape mode) according to various embodiments.andshow multiple views of an electronic device illustrating the contracted and extended states of a flexible display, when the electronic device is disposed in the portrait orientation (e.g., the portrait mode) according to various embodiments.

4 FIG.A 5 FIG.A 4 FIG.B 5 FIG.B According to various embodiments,andillustrate the contracted state of the flexible display, andandillustrate an extended state of the flexible display in which most of the flexible display is exposed from the front surface of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the flexible display may be extended by a certain distance in one direction, and/or a structure enabling reciprocation for extension and/or contraction may be disposed.

4 FIG.A 4 FIG.B 5 FIG.A 5 FIG.B 101 420 420 160 101 101 101 101 In an embodiment and referring to,,and, the electronic devicemay include a housingand a display disposed in a space formed by the housing. At least a part of the display may have a foldable and/or bendable, slidable, and/or rollable shape. A surface on which the flexible display is disposed (and/or the surface on which the display moduleis viewed from the outside of the electronic device) may be defined as the front surface of the electronic device. A surface opposite to the front surface may be defined as the rear surface of the electronic device. A side surface of the electronic devicemay be defined as a surface surrounding a space between the front and rear surfaces.

420 410 430 According to various embodiments, the housingmay include a first sidewalland a second sidewall.

101 445 445 447 447 445 445 447 447 445 445 447 447 420 101 445 445 447 447 a b a b a b a b a b a b a b a b According to various embodiments, the electronic devicemay include audio modules,,, and/or. In the illustrated embodiment, the audio modules,,, and/orare disposed on the sidewalls, which does not limit the disclosure. The audio modules,,, and/orand/or other audio modules which are not shown may be formed as separate structures and/or may be disposed on the edges of one or both sides of a combined and/or assembled structure and/or the housing. In this way, the electronic devicemay be designed such that the audio modules,,, and/ormay be included in an extended and a contracted structure of the flexible display according to the appearance and use condition of the flexible display.

445 445 447 447 445 445 447 447 445 445 447 447 445 445 447 447 445 445 a b a b a b a b a b a b a b a b a b. According to various embodiments, the audio modules,,, andmay include at least one speaker holeandand/or at least one microphone holeand. One of the speaker holesandmay be provided as a receiver hole for a voice call, and the other may be provided as an external speaker hole. Microphones obtaining external sounds may be disposed in the microphone holesand, and in a certain embodiment, a plurality of microphones may be disposed to detect the direction of a sound. In a certain embodiment, the speaker holesandand/or the microphone holesandmay be implemented as one hole, and/or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be included without the speaker holesand

445 447 440 410 420 445 447 450 430 420 a a b b According to an embodiment, the speaker hole indicated by reference numeral “” and/or the microphone hole indicated by reference numeral “” may be disposed on a first side surface (e.g., a side surfaceor the first sidewall) of the housing, and the speaker hole indicated by reference number “” and/or the microphone hole indicated by reference number “” may be disposed on a second side surface (e.g., a side surfaceor the second sidewall) of the housing.

420 440 410 420 450 430 420 4 FIG.A 4 FIG.B 5 FIG.A 5 FIG.B Although one speaker hole and one microphone hole are shown in an embodiment as being disposed on each side surface of the housingin,,and, by way of example, in an embodiment a plurality of speakers may be disposed to enhance audio quality. For example, two or more speakers may be disposed on the first side surface (e.g., the side surfaceor the first side wall) of the housing, and/or two or more speakers may be disposed on the second side surface (e.g., the side surfaceor the second side wall). In addition, a plurality of microphones may also be disposed on the side surfaces of the housingadjacent to the positions where the speakers are disposed.

6 FIG. is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device for correcting audio performance according to various embodiments.

6 FIG. 1 FIG. 101 In an embodiment and referring tocomponents for correcting audio performance are illustrated, by way of example. Since the operations of components included in the electronic devicecorrespond to the components in, their detailed description will be avoided.

6 FIG. 101 620 621 630 660 670 676 In an embodiment and referring to, the electronic devicefor correcting audio performance may include a processor, an audio processor, memory, a display module, an audio module, and/or a sensor module.

621 670 170 670 621 620 621 621 620 620 1 FIG. 6 FIG. According to various embodiments, the audio processormay receive and/or output an audio signal through the audio module(e.g., the audio moduleof), and/or process an audio signal for the audio module. According to an embodiment, the audio processormay be an audio digital signal processor (DSP). Although the processorand the audio processorare shown as separately implemented in, the audio processormay be implemented to be included in the processor. For example, the processormay include an audio DSP, and the audio DSP may be capable of driving a software (S/W) tuning solution.

621 445 445 447 447 101 445 445 a b a b a b 4 5 FIGS.and 4 5 FIGS.and 4 5 FIGS.and According to various embodiments, the audio processormay process an audio signal output through speakers (e.g., the speaker holesandof) and/or an audio signal input to microphones (e.g., the microphone holesandof), which may be generated by performing a voice call function, an audio file playback function, a video recording function, and/or the like. For example, when an earphone (not shown) is connected to the electronic device, the output audio signal may be output through a speaker of the earphone rather than the speakers (e.g., the speaker holesandof).

621 620 621 620 630 According to various embodiments, the audio processorand/or the processormay adjust a sound volume/sound quality by correcting the input audio signal and/or the output audio signal using a potted software tuning solution. According to an embodiment, the audio processorand/or the processormay retrieve at least one of a plurality of audio parameters pre-stored in the memoryaccording to whether the flexible display is extended and/or extended distances, and/or apply the audio parameter to the input audio signal and/or the output audio signal by driving the S/W tuning solution.

630 620 630 According to various embodiments, the memorymay store a plurality of audio parameters for audio tuning. According to an embodiment, the audio parameters may be used to perform a filtering operation of blocking and/or passing a signal in a specific frequency band. According to an embodiment, since the processormay apply an audio parameter corresponding to an extended distance of the flexible display when correcting an audio signal, a plurality of audio parameters may be stored in the memory.

101 620 101 670 101 101 620 According to an embodiment, when the electronic deviceis disposed in the landscape orientation, the processormay correct an audio signal by selecting at least one audio parameter for the landscape mode from among the plurality of audio parameters based on an extended distance of the flexible display, and/or applying the selected audio parameter for the landscape mode. For example, when the electronic deviceis disposed in the landscape orientation, the distance between audio moduleswhich may be located at both ends of the electronic device(e.g., the left and right ends of the electronic device) may be increased with respect to the user according to the extension of the flexible display. In this case, the speakers and/or the microphones are farther away from the user's mouth and/or ears than when the flexible display is contracted, and thus a high frequency with a short wavelength may be attenuated more than a low frequency. Accordingly, in an embodiment, in the landscape mode, the processormay apply an audio parameter that compensates an audio signal by as much as an extended distance according to the extension of the flexible display.

620 According to an embodiment, the processormay compensate a frequency waveform by decreasing a low frequency band and/or increasing a high frequency band in an input audio signal and/or an output audio signal by using an audio parameter.

101 620 101 670 101 670 101 620 670 101 620 670 101 According to an embodiment, when the electronic deviceis disposed in the portrait orientation, the processormay determine an audio parameter for the portrait mode in correspondence to an extended distance of the flexible display. For example, when the electronic deviceis disposed in the portrait orientation, the audio modulelocated on the top of the electronic devicemay be farther from the user according to the extension of the flexible display, and the audio modulelocated at the bottom of the electronic devicemay be closer to the user. Accordingly, in the portrait mode, the processormay apply an audio parameter compensating an audio signal by as much as the extended distance to an audio signal related to the audio modulelocated on the top of the electronic device, whereas the processormay apply an audio parameter different from the above audio parameter to an audio signal related to the audio modulelocated on the bottom of the electronic device.

620 According to various embodiments, the processormay identify an extension degree (or extended distance) of the flexible display in response to a user input for a rolling and/or sliding operation of the flexible display. According to an embodiment, the user input for the sliding operation of the flexible display may be inputting a command for sliding extension to increase the size of the exposed area of the flexible display and/or a command for sliding contraction to reduce the size of the exposed area of the flexible display.

620 According to various embodiments, when receiving the user input, the processormay control a component (e.g., at least one of a roller, a roller driver, an actuator, or a sliding driver) for changing the size of the exposed area of the flexible display by an electrical signal, so that the size of the exposed area of the flexible display is changed without the user's physical input (e.g., pulling and/or pushing the flexible display).

620 660 620 660 According to an embodiment, the processormay identify an extension degree based on a panel output range of the display module. In addition, the processormay identify the extension degree (or extended distance) based on at least one of a sensor, a motor for moving the flexible display, or a change in the capacitance of the display module.

620 660 101 660 620 660 660 For example, in an embodiment, the processormay identify the size of an exposed part (or area) of the display moduleexposed from the front surface of the electronic device, when the display moduleis extended and/or contracted. Accordingly, the processormay correct an audio signal by applying an audio parameter corresponding to the extended distance among a plurality of audio parameters stored in the memoryaccording to the size (e.g., the extended distance and/or the output range of the display) of the exposed part of the display module. For example, when the extended distance is the smallest, the flexible display may be in the closed state in which the exposed area is the smallest, and when the extended distance is the largest, the flexible display may be in the open state in which the exposed area is the largest.

620 620 620 According to various embodiments, when stepwise rolling and/or sliding is possible, the processormay perform a rolling and/or sliding operation of the flexible display based on a sliding length according to a user input. According to an embodiment, the processormay also identify an extended and/or contracted distance of the flexible display in a stepwise manner in response to the stepwise sliding. For example, the processormay increase and/or decrease an audio parameter to be applied according to the extended distance of the flexible display.

In general, a frequency and a wavelength may be inversely proportional to each other as in Equation 1. As the frequency increases, the wavelength may decrease and the attenuation may increase according to the distance. Therefore, as the distance from a speaker increases, a high frequency may be attenuated more than a low frequency from the user's point of view, and thus there may be a need for correcting the frequencies of an output audio signal from the speaker, audible to the user and/or an input audio signal of the microphone according to the extension of the flexible display.

620 620 According to various embodiments, the processormay use an audio parameter for increasing the high frequency and/or decreasing the low frequency in response to the extension of the flexible display. For example, as the flexible display is further extended, a high frequency part is less audible to the user, and thus a higher gain may be set for the high frequency. On the contrary, when the flexible display is changed from extension to contraction, the processormay use an audio parameter decreasing the high frequency further than before because less attenuation occurs in the high frequency part.

660 According to various embodiments, the display modulemay include a display panel and a touch sensor panel, as the flexible display.

660 According to various embodiments, the display modulemay display a Graphical User Interface (GUI) and/or a guide message for controlling an audio tuning process. According to an embodiment, although audio tuning may be performed automatically without separate user control, the user may input an option choice or a setting value through the GUI, for example, in the presence of an option and/or a setting value to be selected directly by the user.

676 676 101 620 101 101 According to various embodiments, the sensor modulemay include sensors such as an acceleration sensor and/or a gyro sensor. According to an embodiment, the sensor modulemay output sensing information for identifying whether the electronic deviceis disposed in the portrait or landscape orientation. For example, when the sensing information is used, the processormay identify the posture of the electronic device, and thus identify a direction in which the speakers disposed on both side surfaces of the housing of the electronic deviceare facing.

101 101 101 101 676 620 101 101 For example, in an embodiment, when the electronic deviceis disposed in the landscape orientation, the speakers and/or the microphones located on both side surfaces (e.g., the left and right side surfaces) of the housing of the electronic devicemay have the same left and right distances from the user. On the other hand, when the electronic deviceis disposed in the portrait orientation, the speaker and/or the microphone on the bottom may be closer to the user than the speaker and/or the microphone on the top among the speakers and/or the microphones located on both side surfaces (e.g., the top and bottom side surfaces) of the housing of the electronic device. Accordingly, in the case of the portrait mode based on a sensing result of the sensor module, the processormay set different audio parameters to be applied to the audio module located on the bottom of the electronic deviceand/or the audio module located on the top of the electronic device.

101 420 445 447 445 447 420 660 420 620 620 a a b b According to various embodiments, the electronic devicemay include the housing, at least one first audio module (e.g.,and) located on a first side surface of the housing, and/or at least one second audio module (e.g.,and) located on a second side surface of the housing, a display (e.g., the display module) including a touch sensor panel wherein the display is configured to move with respect to the housingso that at least a portion of the display is exposed from an inside of the housing to a front surface of the electronic device and at least one processoroperatively connected to the display. The at least one processormay be configured to identify whether the display is extended to be at least partially exposed by rolling and/or sliding with respect to the housing, and/or correct audio signals for the at least one first audio module and/or the at least one second audio module in response to extension of the display.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to identify an extended distance of the display in response to the extension of the display, identify an audio parameter corresponding to the extended distance, and/or correct the audio signals for the at least one first audio module and/or the at least one second audio module by applying the identified audio parameter.

According to various embodiments, each of the at least one first audio module and the at least one second audio module may include at least one of a speaker or a microphone.

620 According to various embodiments, the at least one processormay be configured to identify whether the electronic device is disposed in a landscape mode or a portrait mode, when the electronic device is disposed in the landscape mode, identify the extended distance of the display, and correct the audio signals for the at least one first audio module and/or the at least one second audio module by applying an audio parameter of the landscape mode corresponding to the extended distance.

620 According to various embodiments, the at least one processormay be configured to, when the electronic device is disposed in the portrait mode, apply different audio parameters to the audio signals for the at least one first audio module and/or the at least one second audio module.

620 According to various embodiments, the at least one processormay be configured to, when the first side surface of the housing corresponds to a bottom, and the second side surface corresponds to a top, apply a first audio parameter to the at least one first audio module located on the bottom, and/or apply a second audio parameter corresponding to the extended distance to the at least one second audio module located on the top.

620 According to various embodiments, the at least one processormay be configured to, when the extended distance is a maximum distance, apply an audio parameter increasing a high frequency band and decreasing a low frequency band.

620 According to various embodiments, the at least one processormay be configured to, when audio signals for at least one first speaker included in the at least one first audio module and/or at least one second speaker included in the at least one second audio module are corrected, apply the same audio parameter to the first speaker and the second speaker.

620 According to various embodiments, the at least one processormay be configured to, when audio signals for at least one first speaker and/or at least one first microphone included in the at least one first audio module, and/or at least one second speaker and/or at least one second microphone included in the at least one second audio module are corrected, apply an echo parameter compensating for a delay caused by a change in a distance between the at least one speaker and the at least one microphone to the at least one first microphone and/or second microphone in correspondence to the extended distance.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a housing including a first housing part and a second housing part configured to movably engage with the first housing part between a retracted position and an extended position. The electronic device includes a flexible display coupled to the first housing part and the second housing part such that a size of an area of the flexible display that is visible from a front side of the housing changes as the second housing part is moved between the retracted position and the extended position. The electronic device includes an actuator configured to move the second housing part with respect to the first housing part. The electronic device includes a first audio module located on a first side surface of the housing, and a second audio module located on a second side surface of the housing and a processor operatively connected to the flexible display. The processor is configured to identify whether at least a portion of the flexible display is exposed from the front side of the housing. The processor is configured to correct audio signals for the first audio module and the second audio module in response to identifying the at least a portion of the flexible display being exposed.

620 According to various embodiments, the processormay be configured to, identify a length of the at least a portion of the flexible display, identify an audio parameter corresponding to the length of the at least a portion of the flexible display, and correct the audio signals by applying the audio parameter.

According to various embodiments, the first audio module and the second audio module includes at least one of a speaker or a microphone.

620 According to various embodiments, the processormay be configured to, identify whether the electronic device is disposed in a landscape mode or a portrait mode, when the electronic device is disposed in the landscape mode, identify a length of the at least a portion of the flexible display and correct the audio signals for the first audio module and the second audio module by applying the audio parameter.

620 According to various embodiments, the processormay be configured to, apply different audio parameters to the audio signals for the first audio module and the second audio module when the electronic device is disposed in the portrait.

7 FIG. 700 is a flowchart illustrating a methodfor correcting audio performance in an electronic device according to various embodiments.

7 FIG. 7 FIG. 1 FIG. 2 FIG. 4 5 FIGS.and 700 710 720 700 101 201 202 203 204 101 In an embodiment and referring to, the methodmay include operationsand. Each step/operation of the methodofmay be performed by at least one of electronic devices (e.g., the electronic deviceof, the electronic devices,,, andof, and/or the electronic deviceof, and/or at least one processor of the electronic device).

7 FIG. 4 5 FIGS.and 101 420 710 101 Referring to, according to various embodiments, the electronic devicemay identify whether at least a portion of the display is extended to be exposed by moving with rolling or sliding with respect to a housing (e.g., the housingof), in operation. According to various embodiments, the electronic devicemay identify whether at least a portion of the display is exposed to the front surface of the electronic device by moving with rolling or sliding with respect to the housing.

720 101 440 450 4 5 FIGS.and 4 5 FIGS.and According to various embodiments, in operation, the electronic devicemay correct an audio signal for at least one first audio module located on a first side surface (e.g., the first side surfaceof) of the housing and/or an audio signal for at least one second audio module located on a second side surface (e.g., the second side surfaceof) of the housing in response to the extension of the display (or in response to identifying the at least a portion of the display being exposed). The extension of the display may be referred to as “at least a portion of the display is visually exposed”

According to various embodiments, correcting the audio signals may include identifying an extended distance (or movement distance) of the display in response to the extension of the display, identifying an audio parameter corresponding to the extended distance, and/or correcting the audio signals for the at least one first audio module and/or the at least one second audio module by applying the identified audio parameter.

According to various embodiments, each of the at least one first audio module and the at least one second audio module may include at least one of a speaker or a microphone.

According to various embodiments, correcting the audio signals may include identifying whether the electronic device is disposed in a landscape mode or a portrait mode, and when the electronic device is disposed in the landscape mode, identifying the extended distance of the display, and/or correcting the audio signals for the at least one first audio module and/or the at least one second audio module by applying an audio parameter of the landscape mode corresponding to the extended distance.

According to various embodiments, correcting the audio signals may include, when the electronic device is disposed in the portrait mode, applying different audio parameters to the audio signals for the at least one first audio module and/or the at least one second audio module.

According to various embodiments, correcting the audio signals may include, when the first side surface of the housing corresponds to a bottom, and the second side surface corresponds to a top, applying a first audio parameter to the at least one first audio module located on the bottom, and/or applying a second audio parameter corresponding to the extended distance to the at least one second audio module located on the top.

According to various embodiments, correcting the audio signals may include, when the extended distance is a maximum distance, applying an audio parameter increasing a high frequency band and/or decreasing a low frequency band.

According to various embodiments, correcting the audio signals may include, when audio signals for at least one first speaker included in the at least one first audio module and/or at least one second speaker included in the at least one second audio module are corrected, applying the same audio parameter to the first speaker and the second speaker.

According to various embodiments, correcting the audio signals may include, when audio signals for at least one first speaker and/or at least one first microphone included in the at least one first audio module, and/or at least one second speaker and/or at least one second microphone included in the at least one second audio module are corrected, applying an echo parameter compensating for a delay caused by a change in a distance between the at least one speaker and/or the at least one microphone to the at least one first microphone and/or second microphone in correspondence to the extended distance.

8 FIG. 101 is a flowchart illustrating a method for correcting audio performance in an electronic deviceaccording to various embodiments.

8 FIG. 8 FIG. 1 FIG. 2 FIG. 4 5 FIGS.and 800 810 840 101 201 202 203 204 101 810 840 In an embodiment and referring to, the methodmay include operationsto. Each step/operation of the operation method ofmay be performed by at least one of electronic devices (e.g., the electronic deviceof, the electronic devices,,, andof, the electronic deviceof, and at least one processor of the electronic device). In an embodiment, at least one of operationstomay be omitted, the order of some operations may be changed, and/or another operation may be added.

810 101 In operation, the electronic devicemay identify whether the display is extended by rolling or sliding with respect to the housing according to an embodiment.

820 101 101 101 101 676 101 In operation, the electronic devicemay identify whether the electronic deviceis placed in the landscape mode or the portrait mode. According to an embodiment, the electronic devicemay identify the posture of the electronic devicebased on information sensed by the sensor module, and/or identify whether the electronic deviceis in the landscape or portrait orientation.

101 101 440 450 830 4 5 FIGS.and 4 5 FIGS.and In an embodiment and in response to the orientation of the electronic devicein the landscape mode, the electronic devicemay correct landscape mode-based audio signals for at least one first audio module located on the first side surface (e.g., the first side surfaceof) of the housing and/or at least one second audio module located on the second side surface (e.g., the second side surfaceof) of the housing, in correspondence to an extended distance of the display in operation.

9 FIG.A 101 In an embodiment, reference may be made toto describe the landscape mode of the electronic devicein detail.

9 FIG.A 101 is a visual diagram illustrating a distance between audio modules with respect to a user, when an electronic deviceis horizontally disposed according to various embodiments.

9 FIG.A 447 445 445 101 447 445 445 101 a a c b b d In the example of, according to an embodiment, one first microphoneand two first speakersandare disposed on the first side surface of the electronic device, and one second microphoneand two second speakersandare disposed on the second side surface corresponding to the first side surface. When the electronic deviceis in the landscape orientation, audio parameters to be applied may be determined on the assumption that the user is at a fixed position, for example, at the center.

445 445 447 445 445 447 a c a b d b For example, according to an embodiment, in the case that the user's position is fixed, when the distances between the user and the first speakersandare, for example, d1 and d2, and the distance between the user and the first microphoneis d3, the distance to the second speakersandmay be equal to d1 and d2, and the distance to the second microphonemay also be equal to d3.

101 101 101 445 445 445 445 a c b d. Accordingly, in an embodiment, when the size of the exposed area of the flexible display of the electronic deviceincreases, that is, as the extended distance increases, the distance between the user (e.g., the mouth and/or the ear) and/or the one or more speakers and/or microphones increases. However, because the distances increase in both directions, an audio parameter for compensating for only a decrease in the output of an audio signal according to the extended distance may be applied. For example, since the attenuation of a high frequency band is greater than that of a low frequency band as the extended distance becomes longer, the electronic devicemay perform audio signal correction by increasing the high frequency band and/or decreasing the low frequency band. Accordingly, the electronic devicemay apply an audio parameter corresponding to the extended distance to control and/or to change the magnitude and/or frequency characteristics of audio output signals applied to the first speakersandand/or the second speakersand

101 101 According to an embodiment, whether the electronic deviceis in the landscape or portrait orientation and/or a mode of using only a speaker and/or a mode of simultaneously using a speaker and/or a microphone may correspond to criteria for selecting audio parameters. According to the audio parameter selection criteria, the electronic devicemay apply any one of a plurality of audio parameters.

101 101 101 101 101 According to an embodiment, when the electronic deviceis in the landscape orientation and/or the mode of using only a speaker, the same audio parameter may be applied to an audio signal of each speaker. For example, operations such as an audio file playback function and/or a video recording function may correspond to the mode of using only a speaker. The electronic devicemay use the same audio parameter for an output audio signal through a speaker, generated by performing the audio file playback function and/or the video recording function. Accordingly, audio signals to which the same audio parameter is applied may be output through the left and/or right speakers. In this case, the same audio parameter may tune an audible band, for example, 20 Hz to 20 kHz to correct a sound volume/sound quality. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the electronic devicemay increase or decrease a gain on a frequency basis. Since a part corresponding to a high frequency may be less audible to the user as the flexible display is extended, the electronic devicemay apply an audio parameter that sets a higher gain for the high frequency band to an output audio signal through each speaker. For example, the electronic devicemay set a highest gain for 20 kHz and/or sequentially apply lower gains to frequencies lower than 20 kHz.

101 101 According to an embodiment, when the electronic deviceis in the landscape orientation and/or the mode of simultaneously using a speaker and a microphone, the electronic devicemay apply the same audio parameter to an audio signal of each speaker, whereas it may apply a different audio parameter to each microphone. For example, an operation such as a voice call function may correspond to the mode of simultaneously using a speaker and a microphone.

101 According to an embodiment, the electronic devicemay use the same first audio parameter for audio signals output through the speakers, generated by performing the voice call function. That is, the same audio parameter may be applied to an audio signal for each speaker regardless of the left and right speakers.

101 101 447 447 a b On the other hand, in an embodiment, there may be a microphone obtaining a user's voice and a microphone obtaining an external sound, and the electronic devicemay use an echo parameter to remove an echo of an external sound through any one microphone. According to an embodiment, the electronic devicemay correct an audio signal for the first microphoneby applying an echo parameter to the audio signal, whereas it may correct an audio signal for the second microphoneon the opposite side by applying a second audio parameter to the audio signal.

101 For example, in an embodiment, the electronic devicemay compensate gains sequentially from a high frequency to a low frequency according to an extended distance by applying the second audio parameter determined based on a determined distance in the landscape mode to any one microphone. For example, the first audio parameter may be applied to audio signals of the left and/or right speakers, whereas an echo parameter may be applied to an audio signal of the first microphone, and/or the second audio parameter may be applied to an audio signal of the second microphone. In this case, the first audio parameter applied to the speakers and the second audio parameter applied to the microphone may be different from each other.

101 According to an embodiment, the echo parameter may include an echo path delay parameter. An echo path delay may refer to a time until a sound output from a speaker is input to a microphone. Therefore, when an error occurs in the echo path delay, an echo may not be canceled. Therefore, according to various embodiments, when the flexible display is extended, the distances between one or more microphones and a speaker changes, and thus it is necessary to compensate for the echo path delay according to the change in the distance between the microphones and the speaker. For example, when the echo path delay is 10 ms before extension of the flexible display, the electronic devicemay apply an echo parameter obtained by changing the echo path delay to 100 ms after the extension to an audio signal of one microphone.

101 840 101 440 450 4 5 FIGS.and 4 5 FIGS.and In response to arrangement of the electronic devicein the portrait mode, in operation, the electronic devicemay correct a portrait mode-based audio signal for the at least one first audio module located on the first side surface (e.g., the first side surfaceof) of the housing and/or a portrait mode-based audio signal for the at least one second audio module located on the second side surface (e.g., the second surfaceof) of the housing in correspondence to the extended distance of the display.

101 According to an embodiment, the electronic devicemay correct the audio signals by applying a different audio parameter for the portrait mode to each of the first audio module and the second audio module in correspondence to the extended distance of the display.

9 FIG.B 101 In an embodiment, reference may be made toto describe the portrait mode of the electronic devicein detail.

9 FIG.B 101 is a visual diagram illustrating a distance between audio modules with respect to a user, when an electronic deviceis disposed in the portrait orientation according to various embodiments.

9 FIG.B 9 FIG.A 447 445 445 101 447 445 445 101 101 a a c b b d In an embodiment and referring to, one first microphoneand two first speakersandare disposed on the first side surface of the electronic device, and one second microphoneand two second speakersandare disposed on the second side surface, as in. When the electronic deviceis in the portrait orientation, the electronic devicemay determine an audio parameter to be applied on the assumption that the user is at a fixed position, for example, at the center. For example, when the electronic device is used in a stand-mounted form, it may be assumed that the lower speakers and the lower microphone are at fixed positions, and the upper speakers and the upper microphone are located relatively far from the user.

445 445 447 445 445 447 a c a b d b For example, in an embodiment, when the user's position is fixed, the distances between the user and the first speakersandare d1, and the distance between the user and the first microphoneis d4. When the distances to the second speakersandon the opposite side are d2 and the distance to the second microphoneis d3, the distance to the at least one speaker and microphone located on the bottom and the distance to the at least one speaker and microphone located on the top may be different with respect to the user.

101 101 According to an embodiment, the electronic devicemay identify the distances between the user and the respective speakers and/or microphones, for example, d1, d2, d3, and d4, using a single sensor. For example, the electronic devicemay identify the distances d1, d2, d3, and d4 between the user and the respective speakers and/or microphones, using a proximity sensor or a 3D camera.

101 101 101 According to an embodiment, when the electronic deviceis in the portrait orientation and the mode of using only a speaker, a different audio parameter may be applied to an audio signal of each speaker. For example, the electronic devicemay correct an audio signal for the lower speakers by applying a first audio parameter because the lower speakers are at fixed positions. For the upper speakers, the electronic devicemay identify a second audio parameter corresponding to an extended distance and correct an audio signal by applying the second audio parameter because the positions of the upper speakers are changed. That is, different audio parameters may be applied to the audio signals of the upper speakers and the lower speakers.

101 101 101 101 101 According to an embodiment, when the electronic deviceis in the portrait orientation and the mode of simultaneously using a speaker and/or a microphone, the electronic devicemay apply a different third audio parameter to an audio signal of each speaker, as described above. Further, the electronic devicemay apply a different fourth audio parameter to each microphone. For example, the fourth audio parameter may be applied to the lower microphone on the assumption that the lower microphone is at a fixed position. Because the upper microphone may be relatively far from the user, the distance between at least one microphone and a speaker changes when the flexible display is extended, and thus an echo path delay caused by the change of the distance between the microphone and the speaker needs to be compensated for. Accordingly, the electronic devicemay apply an echo parameter compensating for the echo path delay to an audio signal of any one microphone. Accordingly, for the upper microphone, the electronic devicemay compensate gains sequentially (or in a stepwise manner) from a high frequency to a low frequency according to an extended distance.

10 FIG. is a diagram referred to for describing a process of correcting an audio signal on an extended distance basis according to various embodiments.

10 FIG. illustrates an embodiment in which an audio signal is corrected by selecting a different audio parameter corresponding to an extended distance, by way of example.

10 FIG. 6 FIG. 1 621 620 1010 1010 1020 1030 1010 1011 In an embodiment and referring to, in the case that an extended distance is step, when receiving audio signal A, the audio processor(or the processorin) may output corrected audio signal A by applying audio parameter 1based on the extended distance among a plurality of audio parameters,, and. For example, audio parameter 1represented as a frequency waveform graphmay be for filtering to reduce a signal in a low frequency band.

2 621 620 1020 1010 1020 1030 1020 1021 6 FIG. On the other hand, in an embodiment, in the case that the extended distance is step, when receiving audio signal B, the audio processor(or the processorin) may output corrected audio signal B by applying audio parameter 2based on the extended distance among the plurality of audio parameters,, and. For example, audio parameter 2represented as a frequency waveform graphmay be for filtering to increase a signal in a high frequency band.

101 101 According to an embodiment, even if the flexible display has the same extended distance in the landscape mode and in the portrait mode, an audio parameter corresponding to the extended distance in the landscape mode and an audio parameter corresponding to the extended distance in the portrait mode may be different from each other. For example, different audio parameters may be applied even though the distance between the speakers on both side surfaces is the same in the landscape mode and the portrait mode. According to an embodiment, the electronic devicemay selectively apply an audio parameter based on an arrangement orientation (e.g., the landscape mode or the portrait mode) as well as an extended distance of the flexible display. In addition to the extended distance and arrangement orientation of the flexible display, the electronic devicemay consider whether only a speaker is used or a speaker and a microphone are used simultaneously in selecting an audio parameter.

11 FIG. 1100 is a visual diagramillustrating an audio filter according to various embodiments.

11 FIG. In the example of, a graphic equalizer for selectively emphasizing or filtering a sound in a specific frequency band is shown in an embodiment.

101 101 101 11 FIG. According to an embodiment, the electronic devicemay automatically correct an audio signal in response to extension and/or contraction of the flexible display. For example, as the extended distance increases, the electronic devicemay amplify a high frequency band in the speakers on both sides. According to an embodiment, when receiving a user input for identifying a current sound volume/sound quality, the electronic devicemay display an equalizer screen as illustrated in.

101 101 101 101 101 Further, according to an embodiment, although the electronic devicemay automatically perform audio tuning in response to extension and/or contraction of the flexible display without separate user control, for example, when the user directly selects an option and/or inputs a setting value during the audio tuning process, the electronic devicemay apply an audio parameter reflecting not only the extended distance of the flexible display but also the selected option and/or setting value. For example, when the extended distance increases in the portrait mode of the electronic device, high-frequency band amplification is performed on the upper and/or lower speakers according to the audio tuning in the electronic device. In the case of a setting to increase a woofer effect, the electronic devicemay apply an audio parameter for increasing a low frequency to the lower speakers and an audio parameter for increasing a high frequency to the upper speakers.

101 101 According to an embodiment, the electronic devicemay tune an audible band, for example, 20 Hz to 20 kHz by applying an audio parameter. Accordingly, the electronic devicemay increase or decrease a gain on a frequency basis.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic devices may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

st nd It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of such phrases as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B, or C”, “at least one of A, B, and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C”, may include any one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, such terms as “1” and “2”, or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with”, “coupled to”, “connected with”, or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used in connection with various embodiments of the disclosure, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, logic, logic block, part, or circuitry. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

140 136 138 101 120 101 Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memoryor external memory) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a complier or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to an embodiment, a method according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore™), or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly. If distributed online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively, or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added. Moreover, the embodiments or parts of the embodiments may be combined in whole or in part without departing from the scope of the invention.